Officials said Singh and his son were crossing the bridge about midnight when another vehicle pulled alongside of Singh's Ford Focus.

As the two vehicles neared the top of the bridge, authorities said someone from the other car fired several shots into Singh's car. The 13-year-old was not hit.

“They’re very mellow folks, so for something like this to happen to them is very shocking. They don’t provoke anyone,” said Navtej Singh Khalsa, of the Sikh Society of Central Florida.

On Monday, investigators said "based on the lack of substantiated motive and the fact that the victim is of Indian decent and is an observant Sikh distinguished by a beard and turban, this incident has the potential for being a hate crime and investigative efforts are moving forward in that regard."

“We stand out, particularly the Sikh men, because they wear turbans and beards, so wherever we go, we’re highly visible,” said Khalsa. “This is a very shocking incident, which has affected the entire Sikh community. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and (we are) hoping that he will recover quickly.”

Singh was taken to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach and underwent surgery. He is listed in critical but stable condition.

"I don't understand the gun violence anyway in this country," said Brooks. "It's no surprise, 'cause it's out of control."

Khalsa said the hatred toward the religion is a growing concern.

“There’s been an uptick in the number of hate crimes against Sikhs. If you recall back in August in Milwaukee, someone walked in and opened fire on a day of worship,” said Khalsa.

Port Orange police said the shooter's vehicle is a dark-colored Ford F-150. It is a late 1980s to early 1990s model with a Ford decal or emblem on the side of the truck bed toward the rear of the truck.

Anyone with information on the shooting can call Port Orange Detective Jeff Wenzel at 386-506-5884.